Illustrator Anna Eisenhauer talks hip-hop, creative methods, and playing music out loud.

Our visit to Anna Eisenhauer’s home marks the beginning of a special collaboration between Freunde von Freunden and Sonos. We’re on a mission to celebrate the joy of listening out loud, waking up the silent home, and inspiring creativity in every facet of our lives.

Anna, better known as “Anna T-Iron”, is gaining recognition for her hand-lettering, illustrations, typography design, and logos. Based in Hamburg, she deftly handles a steady stream of work, from developing corporate identities to painting murals in public spaces.

“There wasn’t a lot to choose from: you were either into hip-hop or techno, and I was more into hip-hop than everything else.”

Though her accent is subtle, Anna is actually East Frisian – born in the 40,000-resident city where she cut her teeth in early graffiti and hip-hop.

“Back then, there was a really nice hip-hop scene in East Friesland. Probably because there wasn’t much else to experience, everyone in my generation identified with music culture. There wasn’t a lot to choose from: you were either into hip-hop or techno, and I was more into hip-hop than everything else.”

The music that guided her first projects remains with her to this day and continues to play a crucial role in her creative methods.

“There’s always music playing at my place. Good sound quality is of course essential for that. I take in a lot of things through music. I draw words. So, it makes sense that when I’m listening to the music of my favorite artists that a hook line, a quote from a sample or a special vibe may make an impression on me. When the day is crappy and rainy like this one then I like to listen to motivating, tropical music—then it’s ok.”

Anna reminds us that playing music out loud not only wakes up her silent home, it invigorates her creativity. She’s able to structure her work and her home just the way she likes: two rabbits, lush plants, countless scribbles on the walls, and sweet music to fill empty spaces.